Legions of unspoken affliction

Chapter 6 : Childhood

Time flew by fast, it has already been 2 weeks. They are now in a taxi with their lugguages, heading towards their home.

Riki, looking outside the window, feeling both sad and happy. He knew he was going to miss Japan and that it'll take him a while to adapt to this new environment. But he was delighted that he could now get to know Sunoo more.

As soon as they arrived, Riki rushed into the house, wanting to finish up the chores as soon as possible. Seeing how eager Riki was to get to know sunoo, Mr and Mrs Park told him that everything was done and he could go pay their neighbour a visit with a chocolate cake they bought on the way, while Jay and their parents unpack.

Riki brought the cake over excitedly. However, he hesitated when pressing the doorbell. He was afraid as to what might happen.

"What if he doesn't like me?"
"What if I hurt him?"
"What if his parents doesn't like me?"

Thoughts rushed through his head, but as he decided to turn around and head home, Sunoo noticed him through the window. He ran to the door and welcomed him with a big hug. "Oh my god, you grew so much! Nice to see you again!"

"It's...only been 2 weeks hyung." Riki said.
"That's way too long! I missed you!" Sunoo responded.

"We.. only met once?"

"But you are already my friend!" Sunoo said while hugging Riki tighter, making him out of breath.

"H-hyung.. I can't bre-"

"Oops." Sunoo let go of Riki and hastily tidied his clothes and then dragged him inside the house.

Riki, who never had a friend who was this joyous, was shocked. He is definitely going to need some time to understand and get used to Sunoo's continuous excitement.

Sunoo led Riki to his room, where sunoo sat riki down to talk more about themselves.

"Please, tell me more about you." Sunoo requested.

Riki did a brief introduction on himself, stating the things he likes and dislikes, his dreams, not forgetting to mention how excited he is to move to Korea.

Sunoo smiled, then asked : "how was your life like back in Japan? What did you do as a child? I'm wondering if we do similar activities."

Riki hesistated before saying : "i... i don't think you would want to know about my life..."

"Of course i do. Please, tell me. That is if it's not too invasive and if you are comfortable sharing."

"I....I could share, but" Riki stopped speaking.

"But?"

Riki looked down but sunoo noticed the tears trickling down his cheeks. Instantly pulling him in for a tight hug and comforting him, gently patting his head. Safe, loved, cared for, was what Riki felt at the moment. Riki told sunoo his life story, everything he has been through while sobbing into his shoulder. Sunoo empathized with Riki, he felt the urge to cry, but he told himself that he had to stay strong for him, so Riki can be vulnerable and feel safe with him.

"It's not your fault." Sunoo said while gently stroking his head.
"Hyung, can you help me understand love? What is love exactly...?" Riki asked.
"I'll help you, one step at a time. You also have your family, well new family, to guide you. Don't worry riki." Sunoo reassured him and was more than happy to help him out. At that moment, Riki felt something different, he felt the need to protect Sunoo, the need to give him his love.

He wanted to show Sunoo his love for him, but he himself knew that cannot happen. He'll hurt him, and he's scared.